An Open Letter to Foamers Like Me

[Goofyernmost]

I don't why everyone thinks it is an Engineering problem, if it never worked properly from day one, then I would say it was a problem. Once WDI turns over the ride to Operations, then it is up to DAK Operations and Maintenance to take care. But if it isn't maintained properly or make wrong adjustments or change programming then it can cause different problems down the line. The crack is in the Yeti's frame not the foundation or anypert of the mountain. I'm just saying this because I have seen it many, many different times at CTX/Dinosaur.

I'll try and explain, based on what little I know about the problem. It appears that the concrete foundation that it is attached too, was not strong enough to withstand the weight and movement of the Yeti. It took a relatively short while before they noticed that the platform was cracking and starting to give way. Under those conditions it might last for years or it might decide to fail at any time. They could not take that risk so they shut it down. If you are correct and the crack is in Yeti's frame (which is possible, but this is the first time I have heard this) it is still an engineering problem. If the engineer or engineers do not calculate the stress on concrete or metal properly problems develop. Which is what happened in either case. Maintenance does not usually create a situation where cracks in a structure occur. The mechanical functions may stop working and it may break down, but they won't usually break as in physically sever, crack or fall.

 

[flynnibus]

You skipped the part in which he adjustments and programming.. Which is what did in Murphy the dragon.

Engineers build to certain operating specs, criteria, and envelopes. If you operate outside of them, or fail to maintain them to the right spec... You create new forces the original wasn't designed to withstand.

Ultimately it's clear Disney will never outline the root source. The only way it will ever be 'on record' will be when the people leave the company.

But what I was trying to say was bad maint. Can cause the operation to exceed normal forces causing a materials failure in a separate system because you've exceeded the operating envelope.

 

[Alektronic]

I'll try and explain, based on what little I know about the problem. It appears that the concrete foundation that it is attached too, was not strong enough to withstand the weight and movement of the Yeti. It took a relatively short while before they noticed that the platform was cracking and starting to give way. Under those conditions it might last for years or it might decide to fail at any time. They could not take that risk so they shut it down. If you are correct and the crack is in Yeti's frame (which is possible, but this is the first time I have heard this) it is still an engineering problem. If the engineer or engineers do not calculate the stress on concrete or metal properly problems develop. Which is what happened in either case. Maintenance does not usually create a situation where cracks in a structure occur. The mechanical functions may stop working and it may break down, but they won't usually break as in physically sever, crack or fall.

I guess it depends on where you are getting your information. Is it a reliable source? Or just someone guessing what happened because they heard something like that before?

It has nothing to do with concrete or the actual foundation.

Maintenance has a LOT to do with it to keep it operating in the normal parameters. If it is not lubricated properly, it can cause a lot of friction resulting in heat and stress. If parts are replaced and are not adjusted to the same specs, it can cause stresses in other areas. Small and minor misadjustments can cause bigger problems in other areas.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I guess it depends on where you are getting your information. Is it a reliable source? Or just someone guessing what happened because they heard something like that before?

It has nothing to do with concrete or the actual foundation.

Maintenance has a LOT to do with it to keep it operating in the normal parameters. If it is not lubricated properly, it can cause a lot of friction resulting in heat and stress. If parts are replaced and are not adjusted to the same specs, it can cause stresses in other areas. Small and minor misadjustments can cause bigger problems in other areas.

You could be correct, my information came from the limited amount that Disney itself released early on. I guess we will never know, but if it were just some parts of the Yeti that needed to be replace, it seems likely that they would have repaired it by now. If it were because of what was previously stated that they exceeded the maximum acceptable levels it would still be an engineering mistake. The first rule of engineering is always engineer to Exceed any possible level that can be established either by design or error.

 

[righttrack]

WDW is not a park and more of a resort because there is no good reason to go to Orlando without it and without staying. Disneyland is what it is because the greater LA/Anaheim area is a destination unto itself. Much of the WDW experience comes from staying there and staying on property. Making that a value to the guest is what it is about. For me, WDW starts when I get off the plane and ends when I get back on it. I think they do a decent job, better than anyone else does.

 

[Britt]

Can someone explain what a "foamer" is for me please? lol I don't think I've ever heard that term before : )

 

[Clamman73]

Can someone explain what a "foamer" is for me please? lol I don't think I've ever heard that term before : )

I think it's a step above Fanboi.

 

[flynnibus]

Can someone explain what a "foamer" is for me please? lol I don't think I've ever heard that term before : )

The OP isn't using it right and painting himself in a worse picture than necessary..

Foamer - A derogatory label used to describe a fan of a topic or product that act disproportionately, irrationally or out of character to what would be otherwise normal stimulus. Foamer refers to the foaming at the mouth of creatures that are 'crazed' due to rabies. The analogy to rabies is from the behavior of sick animals that attack or behave completely out of normal behavior.

Can also refer to foaming, which is where people work themselves into a frenzy over something disproportionately. They work themselves into a crazed state, usually within a feedback loop reinforcing their belief, to the point of acting like crazed, sick, rapid animal. Hence the association with foaming at the mouth.

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One can be be rabid pro or con.. but it's generally used to describe those negatively who jump all over the littlest problem and work them selves up over nothing.